Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola admonishes newly inaugurated judges to prioritize public trust over personal interests, emphasizing fair and impartial judgments amidst Nigeria's increasing litigation challenges.
Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola delivered a compelling message to newly inaugurated justices of the Court of Appeal and FCT High Court, emphasizing their duty to prioritize public service over personal interests.
In a solemn ceremony held in Abuja, Chief Justice Ariwoola addressed 22 justices of the Court of Appeal and 12 judges of the FCT High Court, highlighting the critical role of the judiciary in maintaining public trust and safety amidst rising litigation across Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of delivering impartial judgments free from biases, emotions, or any clandestine influences, stating, "The best way to serve is to make the people feel safe and trusted."
The CJN noted that the current number of justices sworn in marked a significant increase, reflecting the escalating challenges facing the judiciary in handling diverse legal matters and addressing rampant criminal activities nationwide.
"In these perilous times, our courts face an unprecedented deluge of litigation, ranging from political disputes to complex criminal cases," Justice Ariwoola remarked, underscoring Nigeria's urgent need to combat rising crime rates.
He urged the new judges to align themselves with the realities of their roles, cautioning them to expect and judiciously handle the unexpected in their adjudication duties. He emphasized, "There is nothing we have not seen or heard before, but Your Lordships should be ready to see and hear more strange things."
